We could not, of course, see the entire expanse of either city, but as we drifted closer it was apparent that the city on our right extended along the river front for several miles. This we could see because at this point the river ran almost as straight as a canal for a greater distance than I could see. But the city on our left, which was Kormor, was much smaller, extending but about a mile along the water front. As far as we could see both cities were walled, a high wall extending along the river side of each. Kormor had a short quay in front of a gate about the center of this wall, while the quay of the other city appeared to be a long avenue extending as far as I could see. We had been drifting for some time opposite the right hand city before we came close to Kormor. There were a few fishermen on the long quay of the former city, and others, possibly sentries, on top of the wall behind them. Many of these saw us and pointed at us and seemed to be discussing us, but at no time did we drift close enough to that side of the river so that we could obtain a close view of them. As we came down toward the quay of Kormor, a small boat pushed out into the river. It contained three men, two of whom were rowing while the third stood in the bow. That they were pulling out to intercept us appeared quite evident. "They are Skor's men," said Nalte. "What do you suppose they want of us?" I asked. "To capture us, of course, for Skor; but they will never capture me!" She stepped toward the edge of the raft. "What do you mean?" I demanded. "What are you going to do?" "I am going to jump into the river." "But you can't swim," I objected. "You will be sure to drown." "That is what I wish to do. I shall never let Skor take me again." "Wait, Nalte," I begged. "They haven't taken us yet. Perhaps they won't." "Yes, they will," she said hopelessly. "We must never give up hope, Nalte. Promise me that you will wait. Even in the last second you can still carry out your plan." "I will wait," she promised, "but in the last second you had better follow my example and join me in death rather than fall into the hands of Skor and become one of those hopeless creatures that you saw at his castle, for then you will be denied even the final escape of death." The boat was now approaching closer, and I hailed its occupants. "What do you want of us?" I demanded. "You must come ashore with us," said the man in the bow. * * * * * I was close enough now so that I could get a good look at the fellow. I had thought at first that they were some more of Skor's living dead, but now I saw that this fellow's cheeks had the hue of health and blood. "We will not come with you," I called back to him. "Leave us alone; we are not harming you. Let us go our way in peace." "You will come ashore with us," said the man, as his boat drew closer. "Keep away, or I'll kill you!" I cried, fitting an arrow to my bow.